Enhanced expression and stability regions

ABSTRACT

Expression-enhancing nucleotide sequences for expression in eukaryotic systems are provided that allow for enhanced and stable expression of recombinant proteins in eukaryotic cells. Enhanced expression and stability regions (EESYRs) are provided for expression of a gene of interest in a eukaryotic cell. Chromosomal loci, sequences, and vectors are provided for enhanced and stable expression of genes in eukaryotic cells.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/793,898, filed on 4 Jun. 2010, which is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 12/132,846, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,771,997, filed 4 Jun. 2008, which claims benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. Provisional application No. 60/933,213, filed 4 Jun. 2007, all of which are herein specifically incorporated by reference in their entirety.

This application hereby incorporates by reference the Sequence Listing submitted in Computer Readable Form as file 3051B_ST25.txt created on Sep. 18, 2012 (79,397 bytes).

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention provides for expressing recombinant proteins in eukaryotic cells. In particular, the invention includes methods and compositions for improved expression of proteins in eukaryotic cells by employing expression-enhancing nucleotide sequences. The invention includes enhanced expression and stability region (EESYR) sequences that facilitate enhanced and stable expression of recombinant proteins in eukaryotic cells, and methods of using such sequences.

2. Description of Related Art

The development of expression systems is an important goal for providing a reliable and efficient source of a given protein for research and therapeutic use. Recombinant protein expression in mammalian cells is often preferred for manufacturing therapeutic proteins due to, for example, the ability of mammalian expression systems to appropriately post-translationally modify recombinant proteins.

Several vectors are available for expression in mammalian hosts, each containing various combinations of cis- and, in some cases, trans-regulatory elements to achieve high levels of recombinant protein with short incubation times. Despite the availability of numerous such vectors, the expression of a recombinant protein achieved in mammalian systems is often unacceptably low or otherwise unsatisfactory. Moreover, developing a cell line that reliably expresses sufficiently high levels of a desired protein often requires time consuming cloning and amplification steps. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved mammalian expression systems.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one aspect, an isolated nucleotide sequence comprising an expression-enhancing sequence selected from a sequence of SEQ ID NO:1-6, or an expression-enhancing fragment thereof, is provided.

In one embodiment, the expression-enhancing sequence comprises an expression-enhancing sequence of SEQ ID NO:5 located at a position within SEQ ID NO:5 selected from nucleotides spanning positions numbered 10-13,515; 20-12,020; 1,020-11,020; 2,020-10,020; 3,020-9,020; 4,020-8,020; 5,020-7,020; 6,020-6,920; 6,120-6,820; 6,220-6,720; 6,320-6,620; 6,420-6,520; 6,460-6,500; 6,470-6,490; and 6,475-6,485. In another embodiment, an expression-enhancing sequence is provided that is selected from the group consisting of nucleotides 5,000-7,400 of SEQ ID NO:5; 5,000-6,500 of SEQ ID NO:5; 6,400-7,400 of SEQ ID NO:5; and nucleotides 6,400-6,500 of SEQ ID NO:5.

In another embodiment, the recombination recognition site is positioned as described above, providing that the expression-enhancing sequence comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical, more preferably at least 95% identical, most preferably at least 99% identical, to the expression-enhancing sequence of SEQ ID NO:5 or an expression-enhancing fragment thereof.

In one embodiment, the expression-enhancing sequence further comprises at least one recombinase recognition site comprising a sequence independently selected from a loxp site, a lox 511 site, a lox 2272 site, and a frt site. In one embodiment, the recombinase recognition site is within the expression-enhancing sequence. In another embodiment, the recombinase recognition site is immediately adjacent in the 5′ direction to the terminal nucleotide of the 5′ end or immediately adjacent in the 3′ direction to the terminal nucleotide of the 3′ end of the expression-enhancing sequence.

In one embodiment, at least two recombinase recognition sites are present within the expression-enhancing sequence. In a specific embodiment, two recombinase recognition sites of opposite orientation are present within the expression-enhancing sequence. In another embodiment, three recombinase recognition sites are present within the expression-enhancing sequence.

In one aspect, an isolated nucleotide sequence is provided that comprises an expression-enhancing sequence that is at least 80% identical, preferably at least 90% identical, more preferably at least 95% identical, most preferably at least 99% identical to an expression-enhancing sequence of SEQ ID NO:1-6 or an expression-enhancing fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the expression-enhancing sequence displays the recited identity to a sequence of SEQ ID NO:5 as described above.

In one aspect, an isolated eukaryotic cell is provided that comprises an expression-enhancing sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:1-6 or an expression-enhancing fragment thereof.

In one embodiment, the expression-enhancing sequence comprises an expression enhancing sequence of SEQ ID NO:5 as described above.

In one embodiment, the eukaryotic cell is a mouse, rat, hamster, or human cell. In a specific embodiment, the eukaryotic cell is a CHO cell.

In one embodiment, the eukaryotic cell further comprises at least one recombinase recognition sequence within the expression-enhancing sequence. In a specific embodiment, the at least one recombinase recognition sequence is independently selected from a loxp site, a lox 511 site, a lox 2272 site, and a frt site. In one embodiment, the recombinase recognition site is immediately adjacent in the 5′ direction to the terminal nucleotide of the 5′ end or immediately adjacent in the 3′ direction to the terminal nucleotide of the 3′ end of the expression-enhancing sequence.

In one embodiment, at least two recombinase recognition sites are present within the expression-enhancing sequence. In a specific embodiment, two recombinase recognition sites are of opposite orientation and are present within the expression-enhancing sequence. In another embodiment, three recombinase recognition sequences are present, and one of the three recombinase recognition sequences is in an orientation opposite to the two remaining recombinase recognition sequences.

In one embodiment, the recombinase recognition site in the expression-enhancing sequence of SEQ ID NO:5 is located at a position within SEQ ID NO:5 selected from nucleotides spanning positions numbered 10-13,515; 20-12,020; 1,020-11,020; 2,020-10,020; 3,020-9,020; 4,020-8,020; 5,020-7,020; 6,020-6,920; 6,120-6,820; 6,220-6,720; 6,320-6,620; 6,420-6,520; 6,460-6,500; 6,470-6,490; and 6,475-6,485. In another embodiment, the recombinase recognition site in in a sequence that is selected from the group consisting of nucleotides 5,000-7,400 of SEQ ID NO:5; 5,000-6,500 of SEQ ID NO:5; 6,400-7,400 of SEQ ID NO:5; and nucleotides 6,400-6,500 of SEQ ID NO:5. In a specific embodiment, the recombinase recognition site is located within nucleotides 6400-6500 of SEQ ID NO:5. In another specific embodiment, the recombinase recognition site is inserted before, after, or within the “act” triplet of nucleotides 6471 to 6473 of SEQ ID NO:5 in an expression-enhancing sequence of SEQ ID NO:5.

In another specific embodiment, the recombination recognition site is positioned as described above, with the caveat that the expression-enhancing sequence comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical, more preferably at least 95% identical, most preferably at least 99% identical, to nucleotides 5218 through 6048 of SEQ ID NO:5 or an expression-enhancing fragment thereof.

In a specific embodiment, the cell is a CHO cell and the recombinase recognition site is inserted in the CHO cell genome at or within the “act” triplet of nucleotides 6,471 to 6,473 of SEQ ID NO:5.

In one embodiment, a first GOI is inserted within the expression-enhancing sequence of SEQ ID NO:5 as described above, and the first GOI is optionally operably linked to a promoter, wherein the promoter-linked GOI (or the GOD is flanked 5′ by a first recombinase recognition site and 3′ by a second recombinase recognition site. In another embodiment, a second GOI is inserted 3′ of the second recombinase recognition site, and the second GOI is flanked 3′ by a third recombinase recognition site.

In a specific embodiment, the GOI is operably linked to a promoter capable of driving expression of the GOI, wherein the promoter comprises a eukaryotic promoter that is regulatable by an activator or inhibitor. In another specific embodiment, the eukaryotic promoter is operably linked to a prokaryotic operator, and the eukaryotic cell optionally further comprises a prokaryotic repressor protein.

In another embodiment, one or more selectable markers are included between the first and the second and/or the second and the third recombinase recognition sites. In a specific embodiment, the first and/or the second genes of interest and/or the one or more selectable markers are operably linked to a promoter, wherein the promoter may be the same or different. In a specific embodiment, the promoter comprises a eukaryotic promoter (such as, for example, a CMV promoter), optionally controlled by a prokaryotic operator (such as, for example, a tet operator). In a specific embodiment, the cell further comprises a gene encoding a prokaryotic repressor (such as, for example, a tet repressor).

In another embodiment, the cell further comprises a gene capable of expressing a recombinase. In a specific embodiment, the recombinase is a Cre recombinase.

In one aspect, an isolated eukaryotic cell is provided that comprises an expression-enhancing sequence that is at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, most preferably at least 99% identical to an expression-enhancing sequence of SEQ ID NO:1-6 or an expression-enhancing fragment thereof. In a specific embodiment, expression-enhancing sequence is a sequence within SEQ ID NO:5 as described above.

In one aspect, a eukaryotic host cell is provided, comprising an expression-enhancing sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:1-6 or an expression-enhancing fragment thereof, comprising a first recombinase recognition site followed by a first eukaryotic promoter, a first marker gene, a second eukaryotic promoter, a second marker gene, a second recombinase recognition site, a third eukaryotic promoter, a third marker gene, and a third recombinase recognition site. In one embodiment, the expression-enhancing sequence is within SEQ ID NO:5 as described above.

In one embodiment, the first, second, and third recombinase recognition sites are different. In a specific embodiment, the recombinase recognition sites are selected from a loxp site, a lox 511 site, a lox 2272 site, and a frt site.

In one embodiment, the first marker gene is a drug resistance gene. In a specific embodiment, the drug resistance gene is a puromycin resistance gene. In another embodiment, the second and third marker genes encode two different fluorescent proteins. In one embodiment, the two different fluorescent proteins are selected from Discosoma coral (DsRed), green fluorescent protein (GFP), enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP), cyano fluorescent protein (CFP), enhanced cyano fluorescent protein (eCFP), and yellow fluorescent protein (YFP). In a specific embodiment, the two different fluorescent proteins are eCFP and DsRed.

In one embodiment, the first, second, and third promoters are the same. In another embodiment, the first, second, and third promoters are different. In another embodiment, the first promoter is different from the second and third promoters, and the second and third promoters are the same. In a specific embodiment, the first promoter is an SV40 late promoter, and the second an third promoters are each a human CMV promoter.

In one aspect, a eukaryotic host cell is provided, comprising an expression-enhancing sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:1-6, or an expression-enhancing fragment thereof, at least one recombinase recognition site within the expression-enhancing sequence, and at least one gene of interest (GOI) within the expression-enhancing sequence. In one embodiment, the expression-enhancing sequence is a sequence within SEQ ID NO:5, as described above.

In one embodiment, the cell comprises a first recombinase recognition site followed by a first promoter operably linked to a first GOI. In another embodiment, the first GOI is followed by a second recombinase recognition site. In another embodiment, the second recombinase recognition site is followed by a second promoter operably linked to a second GOI. In another embodiment, the second GOI is followed by a third recombinase recognition site. In another embodiment, at least one marker is operably linked to a third promoter and is located between the second recombinase recognition site and the second promoter. In one embodiment, the first recombinase recognition site is oriented in an opposite orientation to the second and third recombinase recognition sites. In one embodiment the first and second promoters are eukaryotic promoters operably linked to a prokaryotic operator. In one embodiment, the first and second promoters are CMV promoters operably linked to tet operator sequences. In another embodiment, the cell further comprises a gene capable of expressing a prokaryotic repressor. In one embodiment, the prokaryotic repressor is a tet repressor. In one embodiment, the cell comprises a gene capable of expressing a Cre recombinase.

In one embodiment, a first and a second marker gene are located between the second recombinase recognition site and the second promoter, and an IRES is between the first and second marker genes. In another embodiment, the first codon (ATG) of the first marker gene is immediately 5′ to the second recombinase recognition site, and the second codon of the first marker gene is immediately 3′ to the second recombinase recognition site. In another embodiment, the first marker gene contains an intron and the second recombinase recognition site is located within the intron such that the amino-terminal half of the first marker gene and the 5′ half of the intron are located 5′ of the second recombinase recognition site and the 3′ half of the intron and carboxy-terminal half of the first marker gene are immediately 3′ to the second recombinase recognition site.

In one embodiment, the first, second, and third recombinase recognition sites are different. In a specific embodiment, the recombinase recognition sites are selected from a loxp site, a lox 511 site, a lox 2272 site, and a frt site.

In one embodiment, the first marker gene is a drug resistance gene. In a specific embodiment, the drug resistance gene is a hygromycin resistance gene. In another embodiment, the second marker gene encodes a fluorescent protein. In one embodiment, the fluorescent protein is selected from DsRed, GFP, eGFP, CFP, eCFP, and YFP.

In one embodiment, the first, second, and third promoters are the same. In another embodiment, the first, second, and third promoters are different. In another embodiment, the third promoter is different from the first and second promoters, and the first and second promoters are the same. In a specific embodiment, the third promoter is an SV40 late promoter, and the first and second promoters are each a human CMV promoter.

In one embodiment, the first and second promoters are operably linked to a prokaryotic operator. In a specific embodiment, the operator is a tet operator.

In one embodiment, the host cell line has an exogenously added gene encoding a recombinase integrated into its genome, operably linked to a promoter. In a specific embodiment, the recombinase is Cre recombinase. In another embodiment, the host cell has a gene encoding a regulatory protein integrated into its genome, operably linked to a promoter. In a specific embodiment, the regulatory protein is a tet repressor protein.

In one embodiment, the first GOI and the second GOI encode a light chain, or fragment thereof, of an antibody or a heavy chain, or fragment thereof, of an antibody. In a specific embodiment, the first GOI encodes a light chain of an antibody and the second GOI encodes a heavy chain of an antibody.

In one aspect, a method is provided for making a protein of interest, comprising: (a) providing a host cell that comprises an expression-enhancing sequence selected from a sequence of SEQ ID NO:1-6; (b) introducing into the host cell, within the expression-enhancing sequence, a gene of interest (GOI) operably linked to a promoter; (c) maintaining the host cell of (a) under conditions that allow the GOI to express a protein of interest; and, (c) recovering the protein of interest.

In one embodiment, the cell is a CHO cell and the nucleotide sequence is an expression-enhancing sequence of SEQ ID NO:5 as described above.

In one embodiment, the GOI is introduced into the cell employing a targeting vector for homologous recombination, wherein the targeting vector comprises a 5′ homology arm homologous to a sequence present in at least one of SEQ ID NO:1-6, a GOI, and a 3′ homology arm homologous to a sequence present in at least one of SEQ ID NO:1-6. In another embodiment, the construct further comprises two, three, four, or five or more genes of interest. In another embodiment, one or more of the genes of interest are operably linked to a promoter.

In another embodiment, the GOI is introduced employing an integrase technology, for example, integrase technology employing att sites such as Invitrogen's Gateway™ and Multisite Gateway™ cloning systems which employ bacteriophage lambda att site recombination.

In another embodiment, the expression-enhancing sequence comprises one or more recombinase recognition sites as described above, and the GOI is introduced into the expression-enhancing sequence through the action of a recombinase that recognizes the recombinase recognition site.

In one embodiment, the expression-enhancing sequence comprises two recombinase recognition sites.

In one embodiment, the expression-enhancing sequence comprises a first, a second, and a third recombinase recognition site. In one embodiment, the first, second, and third recombinase recognition sites are different. In another embodiment, the first, second, and third recombinase recognition sites are not in the same orientation. In a specific embodiment, the first site is 5′ to the second site, and the second site is 5′ to the third site. In another specific embodiment, the second and third sites are in opposite orientation with respect to the first site.

In another embodiment, a first and a second GOI are introduced into the expression-enhancing sequence. In one embodiment, the first GOI is introduced between the first and the second recombinase recognition sites, and the second GOI is introduced between the second and the third recombinase recognition sites. In a specific embodiment, the recombinase recognition sites are independently selected from a loxp site, a lox 511 site, a lox 2272 site, and a frt site.

In another embodiment, the first GOI flanked by recombinase recognition sites on a first vector and the second GOI flanked by recombinase recognition sites on a second vector are introduced into a cell comprising an expression-enhancing sequence that comprises three recombinase recognition sites in a single step.

In one embodiment, the GOI is operably linked to a eukaryotic promoter. In another embodiment, the eukaryotic promoter is operably linked to a prokaryotic operator. In a specific embodiment, the eukaryotic promoter is a CMV promoter and the prokaryotic operator is a tet operator.

In another embodiment, the cell comprises a gene capable of expressing a prokaryotic repressor. In a specific embodiment, the prokaryotic repressor is a tet repressor.

In another embodiment, the cell comprises a gene capable of expressing a recombinase. In a specific embodiment, the recombinase is a Cre recombinase.

In one aspect, a eukaryotic cell is provided, wherein the eukaryotic cell comprises at least one expression-enhancing sequence of SEQ ID NO:1-6 and at least one exogenously added gene within the expression-enhancing sequence. In one embodiment, the exogenously added gene is operably linked to an exogenously added promoter.

In one embodiment, the expression-enhancing sequence is a sequence of SEQ ID NO:5, and the at least one exogenously added gene integrated or inserted within the expression-enhancing sequence is a human gene. In a specific embodiment, the eukaryotic cell is a CHO cell, the exogenously added gene is a human gene, and the human gene is operably linked to an exogenously added eukaryotic promoter.

In one aspect, a targeting vector for homologous recombination is provided, wherein the targeting vector comprises a 5′ homology arm, a GOI, and a 3′ homology arm, wherein each homology arm is homologous to a sequence within one of SEQ ID NO:1-6. In one embodiment, the 5′ and 3′ homology arms are homologous to sequences within SEQ ID NO:5. In one embodiment, the targeting vector comprises two, three, four, or five or more genes of interest. In one embodiment, the GOI is operably linked to a promoter. In another embodiment, each of the two, three, four, or five or more genes of interest are each operably linked to a promoter.

In one aspect, an expression vector is provided, comprising an expression-enhancing nucleotide sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1-6 or an expression-enhancing fragment thereof.

In one embodiment, the expression-enhancing sequence is within SEQ ID NO:5 as described above.

In one embodiment, the vector further comprises a promoter. In a specific embodiment, the promoter is a human CMV promoter.

In one embodiment, the vector further comprises a cloning site for an expressible gene of interest (GOI). In one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1-6 or expression-enhancing fragment thereof is located 3′ with respect to the coning site for the expressible GOI. In another embodiment, the nucleotide sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1-6 or expression-enhancing fragment thereof is located 5′ with respect to the coning site for the expressible GOI.

In a specific embodiment, the vector comprises a nucleotide sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:1-6 or an expression-enhancing fragment, a human CMV promoter, a GOI, and a termination sequence, wherein the nucleotide sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1-6, or the expression-enhancing fragment thereof, is located 5′ with respect to the CMV promoter. In a specific embodiment, the vector further comprises an intron selected from a CMV-MIE intron and a rabbit β-globin intron.

In one aspect, an expression vector is provided, comprising an expression-enhancing nucleotide sequence that is at least 80% identical, preferably at least 90% identical, more preferably at least 95% identical, most preferably at least 99% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:1-6 or an expression-enhancing fragment thereof.

In one aspect, a method is provided for making a protein of interest, comprising: (a) introducing into a host cell an expression vector comprising an expression-enhancing sequence selected from a sequence within SEQ ID NO:1-6 and a GOI that encodes for a protein of interest, wherein the GOI is operably linked to a promoter and operably linked to the expression-enhancing sequence; (b) culturing the host cell of (a) under conditions that allow expression of the GOI; and (c) recovering the protein of interest.

In one embodiment, the enhanced expression and stability region sequence is an expression-enhancing sequence of SEQ ID NO:1-6. In one embodiment, the expression-enhancing sequence is within SEQ ID NO:5 as described above.

In one embodiment, the recombinant protein is selected from the group consisting of a subunit of an immunoglobulin or fragment thereof and a receptor or ligand-binding fragment thereof. In a specific embodiment, the recombinant protein is selected from the group consisting of an antibody light chain or antigen-specific fragment thereof, and an antibody heavy chain or antigen-specific fragment thereof.

In any of the aspects and embodiments described above, the expression-enhancing sequence can be placed in the indicated orientation as indicated in SEQ ID NO:1-6, or in the reverse of the orientation indicated in SEQ ID NO:1-6.

Any of the aspects and embodiments of the invention can be used in conjunction with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention, unless otherwise specified or apparent from the context.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from a review of the ensuing detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1. Schematic diagram of a retroviral construct, pTE252, used for the introduction of nucleic acid construct into a cell genome. LTR: long terminal repeat; LoxP: Cre recombinase recognition sequence: ATAACTTCGTATAATGTATGCTATACGAAGTTGT (SEQ ID NO:7); Lox511: a mutation of LoxP sequences: ATAACTTCGTATAATGTATACTATACGAAGTTAG (SEQ ID NO:8); the Lox511 sequence is recognized by Cre recombinase but the Lox511 site does not recombine with a LoxP site. GFP: Green fluorescent protein; CMV MIE: human cytomegalovirus major immediate early promoter; npt: neomycin phosphotransferase; bla: beta lactamase; IRES: internal ribosomal entry site.

FIG. 2 illustrates a plasmid construct used to identify an EESYR.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show an alignment of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO), mouse, human, and rat EESYR sequences for a fragment of SEQ ID NO:5.

FIG. 4 shows an alignment of SEQ ID NO:5 with mouse, human, and rat sequences.

FIG. 5 illustrates that an EESYR, operably linked to a gene of interest (GOI), exhibits enhanced expression over a GOI that is not operably linked to an EESYR. For each plot, major ticks on the y-axis represent 0, 300, 600, 900, and 1200; major ticks on the x-axis represent 10⁰, 10¹, 10², 10³, and 10⁴.

FIG. 6 shows EESYRs compared in their relative ability to enhance expression of an operably linked GOI. For each plot, y-axis major ticks represent Counts of 0, 500, 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000; x-axis major ticks represent FITC of 10⁰, 101, 10², 10³, and 10⁴.

FIG. 7 illustrates clonal characteristics of cells with respect to EESYR functionality. For the top plot, major tick labels on both the y- and x-axes of the top plot represent 10⁰, 10¹, 10², 10³, and 10⁴; quadrant identifiers are R10 and R11 (top, left to right) and R12 and R13 (bottom, left to right). For the middle plot, which shows 96-well plate ELISA results of sorted single cells, the y-axis of the center plot represents Titer (μg/ml), with major tick labels of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14; whereas the x-axis represents Clone Number (in triplicate) from 1 to 63. For the bottom plot, which shows clone stability after three months without selection, y-axis major ticks represent increments of 100 from 0 to 1000. For the bottom plot, the left peak is for “Host,” whereas the right peak is for “Recombinant clones.”

FIG. 8 illustrates that EESYR cells undergo specific and efficient recombination. In Panel B, y- and x-axes major ticks represent 10⁰, 10¹, 10², 10³, and 10⁴; for each plot, quadrants are (left to right, top) R2 and R3, and (left to right, bottom) R4 and R5.

FIG. 9 illustrates the rarity of random integration events in EESYR cells.

FIG. 10 illustrates testing of cis-acting elements employing EESYR sequences. Major ticks of the y- and x-axes major ticks represent 10⁰, 10¹, 10², 10³, and 10⁴.

FIG. 11 illustrates testing promoters, introns, and UTRs using an EESYR system.

FIG. 12 illustrates optimizing protein expression using an EESYR system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present methods are described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular methods, and experimental conditions described, as such methods and conditions may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus for example, a reference to “a method” includes one or more methods, and/or steps of the type described herein and/or which will become apparent to those persons skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.

Unless defined otherwise, or otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, particular methods and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

DEFINITIONS

DNA regions are operably linked when they are functionally related to each other. For example, a promoter is operably linked to a coding sequence if the promoter is capable of participating in the transcription of the sequence; a ribosome-binding site is operably linked to a coding sequence if it is positioned so as to permit translation. Generally, operably linked can include, but does not require, contiguity. In the case of sequences such as secretory leaders, contiguity and proper placement in a reading frame are typical features. An EESYR is operably linked to a GOI where it is functionally related to the gene of interest, for example, where its presence results in enhanced expression of the GOI.

The term “enhanced” when used to describe enhanced expression includes an enhancement of at least about 1.5-fold to at least about 2-fold enhancement in expression over what is typically observed by random integration into a genome, for example, as compared to a pool of random integrants of a single copy of the same expression construct. Fold-expression enhancement observed employing the sequences of the invention is in comparison to an expression level of the same gene, measured under substantially the same conditions, in the absence of a sequence of the invention. As used herein, the phrase “expression-enhancing” is used interchangeably with “enhanced expression and stability” when referring to a region or sequence. An “enhanced expression and stability region,” also referred to herein as an “EESYR,” is a region or sequence that exhibits more efficient recombination, insert stability, and higher level expression than is typically observed by random integration into a genome.

Enhanced recombination efficiency includes an enhancement of the ability of a locus to recombine (for example, employing recombinase-recognition sites). Enhancement refers to an efficiency over random recombination, which is typically 0.1%. A preferred enhanced recombination efficiency is about 10-fold over random, or about 1%. Unless specified, the claimed invention is not limited to a specific recombination efficiency.

Where the phrase “exogenously added gene” or “exogenously added GOI” is employed with reference to a EESYR, the phrase refers to any gene not present within the EESYR as the EESYR is found in nature. For example, an “exogenously added gene” within a CHO EESYR (e.g., an EESYR comprising a sequence of SEQ ID NO:5), can be a hamster gene not found within the CHO EESYR in nature (i.e., a hamster gene from another locus in the hamster genome), a gene from any other species (e.g., a human gene), a chimeric gene (e.g., human/mouse), or any other gene not found in nature to exist within the CHO EESYR.

Percent identity, when describing an EESYR, is meant to include homologous sequences that display the recited identity along regions of contiguous homology, but the presence of gaps, deletions, or insertions that have no homolog in the compared sequence are not taken into account in calculating percent identity. In explaining the usage of “percent identity” in this context, the following sequence comparison (SEQ ID NO: 9-SEQ ID NO: 12) will be referred to:

EESYR 5595 AGATTCTGTGGGCTCTGAGGCAACTTGACCTCAGCCAGATGGTATTTGAATAACCTGCTC 5654 Rat Ch3 5619 AGATTCTGTGGGTTCTGAGACAACTTGACTTCAGCCAGATGGCATTTGAATAAC------ 5672 M Mus  6618 AGATTCTGTGGGTTCTGAGACAACTTGACTTTAGCCAGATGGTATTTGAGTAATCTGGG- 6676 Ch2 H. Sap.  6620 AGATTCAGTGGGCTTTGGGACAGCTTGACTTCAACTAGATGGTATTTGAATAATCTGCT- 6678 Ch20 ****** ***** * ** * ** ****** * * * ****** ****** *** in which the “EESYR” 5595-5654 sequence is SEQ ID NO: 9, the “Rat Ch3” 5619-5672 sequence is SEQ ID NO: 10, the “M Mus Ch2” 6618-6676 sequence is SED ID NO: 11, and the “H. Sap. Ch20” sequence is SEQ ID NO: 12. As used herein, a “percent identity” determination between the “EESYR” sequence above (for a CHO cell EESYR or fragment thereof) with a rat homolog (“Rat Ch3”) would not include a comparison of CHO sequences 5649 through 5654, since the rat homolog has no homologous sequence to compare in an alignment (i.e., the CHO EESYR has an insertion at that point, or the rat homolog has a gap or deletion, as the case may be). Thus, in the comparison above, the percent identity comparison would extend from the “AGATTC” at the 5′ end to the “AATAAC” at the 3′ end. In that event, the rat homolog differs only in that it has a “T” at CHO EESYR position 5607, an “A” at CHO EESYR position 5614, a “T” at CHO EESYR position 524, and a “C” at CHO EESYR position 5637. Since the comparison is over 54 contiguous bases in a 60 base pair stretch, with only four differences (which are not gaps, deletions, or insertions), there is over 90% identity between the two sequences (CHO and rat) from CHO EESYR position 5595 to CHO EESYR position 5654 (because “percent identity” does not include penalties for gaps, deletions, and insertions).

General Description

The invention is based at least in part on the discovery that there are sequences in a genome that exhibit more efficient recombination, insert stability, and higher level expression than other regions or sequences in the genome. The invention is also based at least in part on the finding that when such expression-enhancing sequences are identified, a suitable gene or construct can be exogenously added in or near the sequences and that the exogenously added gene can be advantageously expressed. Such sequences, termed enhanced expression and stability regions (“EESYRs”), can be engineered to include recombinase recognition sites for placement of genes of interest to create cell lines that are capable of expressing proteins of interest. EESYRs can also be included as in expression constructs such as, for example, expression vectors. Expression vectors comprising EESYRs can be used to express proteins transiently, or can be integrated into a genome by random or targeted recombination such as, for example, homologous recombination or recombination mediated by recombinases that recognize specific recombination sites (e.g., Cre-lox-mediated recombination). Expression vectors comprising EESYRs can also be used to assess efficacy of other DNA sequences, for example, cis-acting regulatory sequences.

The CHO EESYR described in detail herein was identified by random integration of DNA comprising lox sites into a CHO cell genome, followed by selection to identify sequences where expression was enhanced. Random integration and introduction of the lox site was achieved using a retroviral construct. Selection and screening were achieved using drug resistance markers and detectable labels (e.g., fluorescent proteins with FACS screening), employing recombination methods that used site-specific recombination (e.g., lox sites and Cre recombinase). Selection continued until at least a 1.5- to 2-fold enhanced expression over expression observed when randomly integrating an expression construct into the CHO cell genome. Following identification of the EESYR, recombinase recognition sites (in the example provided, lox sites) were maintained in the EESYR for introducing expression cassettes that comprise an expressible GOI, along with any other desirable elements such as, for example, promoters, enhancers, markers, operators, etc.

An illustration of a plasmid construct used in identifying an EESYR disclosed in this application is shown in FIG. 2. The plasmid rescue construct comprises an expression cassette driven by an promoter, wherein the cassette is flanked on the 5′ and 3′ ends with recombinase recognition sites (represented by ball-and-stick in FIG. 2). Insertion within an EESYR locus is shown, wherein the insertion results in the plasmid rescue construct replacing an expression cassette that comprises a promoter and a marker, wherein the expression cassette within the EESYR locus is flanked on its 5′ and 3′ ends by recombinase recognition sites (see FIG. 2).

Compositions and methods are provided for stably integrating a nucleic acid sequence into a eukaryotic cell, wherein the nucleic acid sequence is capable of enhanced expression by virtue of being integrated in or near an EESYR. Cells are provided that contain a recombinase recognition sequence within or near an EESYR, convenient for inserting a GOI, in order to achieve expression of a protein of interest from the GOI. Compositions and methods are also provided for using EESYRs in connection with expression constructs, for example, expression vectors, and for adding an exogenous EESYR into a eukaryotic cell of interest.

Physical and Functional Characterization of an EESYR

The nucleic acid sequences referred to as EESYRs were empirically identified by sequences upstream and downstream of the integration site of a nucleic acid construct (comprising an expression cassette) of a cell line expressing a reporter protein at a high level. The EESYR nucleic acid sequences of the invention provide sequences with a new functionality associated with enhanced expression of a nucleic acid (for example, an exogenous nucleic acid comprising a GOD that appear to function differently from that previously described for cis-acting elements such as promoters, enhancers, locus control regions, scaffold attachment regions or matrix attachment regions. EESYRs do not appear to have any open reading frames (ORFs), making it unlikely that EESYRs encode novel trans-activator proteins. Transfection experiments demonstrated that EESYR sequences display some characteristics of cis-acting elements. EESYR activity is not detected in transient transfection assays; EESYR sequences also appear to be distinct from promoter and enhancer elements, which are detected with these methods.

Although EESYR sequences described in detail herein were isolated from the genome of two cell lines, EESYR sequences from these two cell lines are the same. EESYR activity was identified in a 6.472 kb fragment of CHO genomic DNA 5′ with respect to a unique integration site of a retroviral vector comprising a DsRed reporter encoding sequence and in a 7.045 kb fragment of CHO genomic DNA 3′ with respect to the integration site. Expression vectors comprising the isolated 6.472 kb region and the isolated 7.045 kb region and shorter fragments thereof were able to confer upon CHO cells transfected with them high levels of expression of recombinant proteins.

The invention encompasses expression vectors comprising reverse orientated EESYR fragments. Reverse orientated EESYR fragments were also capable of conferring upon CHO cells transfected with them high levels of expression of recombinant proteins.

Other combinations of the fragments described herein can also be developed. Examples of other combinations of the fragments described herein that can also be developed include sequences that include multiple copies of the EESYR disclosed herein, or sequences derived by combining the disclosed EESYR with other nucleotide sequences to achieve optimal combinations of regulatory elements. Such combinations can be contiguously linked or arranged to provide optimal spacing of the EESYR fragments (e.g., by the introduction of spacer nucleotides between the fragments). Regulatory elements can also be arranged to provide optimal spacing of an EESYR with respect to the regulatory elements.

The EESYR sequences disclosed herein were isolated from CHO cells. Homologous expression-enhancing elements are expected to exist in cells from other mammalian species (such as, for examples, humans; see FIG. 3) as well as in cell lines derived from other tissue types, and can be isolated by techniques that are well-known in the art, for example, by cross-species hybridization or PCR-based techniques. In addition, changes can be made in the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:1-6 by site-directed or random mutagenesis techniques that are well known in the art. The resulting EESYR variants can then be tested for EESYR activity as described herein. DNAs that are at least about 80% identical, preferably at least about 90% identical, more preferably at least about 95% identical, most preferably least about 99% identical in nucleotide sequence to SEQ ID NOs:1-6 or fragments thereof having EESYR activity are isolatable by routine experimentation, and are expected to exhibit EESYR activity. For fragments of EESYR, percent identity refers to that portion of the reference native sequence that is found in the EESYR fragment. Accordingly, homologs of EESYR and variants of EESYR are also encompassed by embodiments of the invention. FIGS. 3A and B show an alignment of mouse, human, and rat sequences with varying homology to a fragment of SEQ ID NO:5.

Cell populations expressing enhanced levels of a protein of interest can be developed using the methods provided herein. The absolute level of expression will vary with the specific protein, depending on how efficiently the protein is processed by the cell. Cell pools developed with EESYR are stable over time, and can be treated as stable cell lines for most purposes. Cloning steps can be delayed until later in the process of development than is customary for recombinant proteins.

EESYRs and Expression-Enhancing Fragments Thereof

The EESYR genomic locus is conserved among human, mouse and rat genomes. FIG. 4 shows percent identity among EESYR sequences. EESYR sequences, homologous to the 13.515 kb of cloned CHO EESYR DNA of SEQ ID NO:5, were identified among the published human, rat and mouse genomes using BLAST. Sequences were aligned to determine the percent homology using MacVector (9.0). Twenty-five by increments of the alignment are graphed as the percent identity among CHO, human, mouse and rat EESYR sequences for each consecutive 25 bp segment. As shown in FIG. 4, the vertical line marks the location of site-specific recombination events to express recombinant protein genes of interest. Percent identity of EESYR sequences adjacent to a site-specific recombination location in an EESYR is shown in panel B of FIG. 4. Ten base pair increments of the aligned sequences corresponding to nt 5022-6110 of a CHO cell EESYR sequence (nucleotides 5022 through 6110 of SEQ ID NO:5) are graphed as the percent identity among CHO, human, mouse and rat EESYR sequences for each consecutive 10 bp segment. Sequences were aligned using MacVector™ 9.0. As shown in panel B, a significant identity of sequence is present in this fragment of the EESYR cloned from CHO cells. It should be noted that the comparison of FIG. 4 indicates a length of about 1400 bases, whereas the sequence of SEQ ID NO:5 contains 13,515 bases. The FIG. 4 bases appear to extend over a longer stretch due to the existence of gaps. Nucleotide spans recited are those corresponding to numbering in SEQ ID NO:5 unless otherwise indicated. The span of nucleotides from about 6200 to about 7600 as shown in FIG. 4B corresponds to nucleotides of SEQ ID NO:5 numbered about 5,200 to about 6,000.

Accordingly, the invention also includes an expression-enhancing fragment of a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:5, wherein the expression-enhancing fragment includes the nucleotide sequence indicated by positions about residues 5022 through about 6110 of SEQ ID NO:5, or about 5218 through about 6048 of SEQ ID NO:5; or about 6200 through about 7600, about 6500 to about 7400, or about 6400 to about 6500 shown in panel B of FIG. 4. The invention also encompasses an expression-enhancing fragment of a nucleotide sequence that is at least 80% identical, preferably at least 90% identical, more preferably at least 95% identical, most preferably at least 99% identical to the nucleotide sequence indicated by positions about 6200 through about 7600, or about 6500 through about 7400, or about 6400 through about 6500 shown in panel B of FIG. 4. The invention includes vectors comprising such a fragment, including for transient or stable transfection. The invention also includes a eukaryotic cell comprising such a fragment wherein the fragment is exogenous and is integrated into the cell genome, and cells comprising such a fragment having at least one recombinase recognition site that is within, immediately 5′, or immediately 3′ to the fragment.

In one embodiment, the expression-enhancing fragment of SEQ ID NO:5 is located at a position within SEQ ID NO:5 selected from nucleotides spanning positions numbered 10-13,515; 20-12,020; 1,020-11,020; 2,020-10,020; 3,020-9,020; 4,020-8,020; 5,020-7,020; 6,020-6,920; 6,120-6,820; 6,220-6,720; 6,320-6,620; 6,420-6,520; 6,460-6,500; 6,470-6,490; and 6,475-6,485.

In one embodiment, the EESYR is employed to enhance the expression of a GOI, as illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows a GOI operably linked with a promoter (with an upstream marker having its own promoter) integrated in a non-EESYR position in a CHO cell genome, and a FACS readout showing the distribution of expression in a stably transfected population of cells. In comparison, a GOI operably linked to a promoter integrated at an EESYR position in a CHO cell genome is shown, and a FACS readout showing the distribution of expression in a stably transfected population of cells is also shown. In this embodiment, the GOI expressed within the EESYR locus shows an enhanced expression of about two-fold in comparison to the GOI expressed at a non-EESYR locus.

In various embodiments, expression of a GOI can be enhanced by placing the GOI within an EESYR, 5′ to an EESYR, or 3′ to an EESYR. The precise distance between the GOI and the EESYR, where the GOI is either 5′ or 3′ to the EESYR, should be such that the EESYR is operably linked to the GOI. An EESYR is operably linked to the GOI where expression of the GOI—at the selected distance from the EESYR (in the 5′ or 3′ direction)—retains the ability to enhance expression of the GOI over, for example, expression typically observed due to a random integration event. In various embodiments, enhancement is at least about 1.5-fold to about 2-fold or more. Preferably, enhancement in expression as compared to a random integration, or random expression, is about 2-fold or more.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment wherein SEQ ID NO:1 (“EESYR 5′) and SEQ ID NO:2 (“EESYR 3′”) are compared in their relative ability to enhance expression of an operably linked GOI, wherein the GOI is operably linked to a promoter as well (a marker and a promoter operably linked to the marker are shown 5′ to the GOI promoter). Orientation of the EESYR is shown by the direction of the arrow beneath the term “EESYR.” The constructs are randomly integrated into a CHO cell genome. Expression is relative to the randomly integrated construct that does not comprise any EESYR. FACS readouts showing relative expression are shown on the right. In FIG. 6, the first EESYR construct employs SEQ ID NO:1; the second EESYR construct employs SEQ ID NO:3; the third EESYR construct is SEQ ID NO:2; the fourth EESYR construct is SEQ ID NO:4. As shown in the figure, SEQ ID NO:3 displays a 2.4-fold enhancement in expression, and SEQ ID NO:1 displays a 2-fold enhancement of expression.

EESYR recombinant cell pools display clonal characteristics. FIG. 7 illustrates clonal characteristics of EESYR recombinant pools. In the two-color FACS plot representing a dual parameter histogram of cells labeled with red or green markers (red cells are host CHO cells; green cells are recombinants expressing a GOI), EESYR recombinant pools show clustering in the plot that reflects substantially identical growth and expression, flow cytometry profile, and Southern analysis (not shown). A histogram of ELISAs of single cells demonstrate uniform expression in all clones. Clonal stability is also high after three months without selection.

EESYR recombinants undergo specific and efficient recombination, as shown in FIG. 8. Panel A shows two markers separated by an IRES and flanked by recombinase recognition sites, and a third marker not flanked by recombinase recognition sites as a random integration control. When recombined at an EESYR locus comprising a marker flanked by two recombinase recognition sites, recombination is specific. Panel B shows little random integration in the absence of recombinase, but efficient and site-specific integration in the presence of recombinase.

Random integration using site specific recombination at an EESYR is rare (see FIG. 9). FIG. 9 shows that when random integration events are visualized, such events represent only a tiny fraction of integration events.

In another embodiment, EESYR cis-acting elements can be assessed using the methods and compositions of the invention. As shown in FIG. 10, EESYR recombinant cells, allows comparison of cis-acting elements equivalently. Because EESYR recombinants behave as a clonal population, differences in gene expression as the result of, for example, the presence or absence of suspected cis-acting elements, can be directly compared. Isogenic cell lines allow direct comparison of cis-acting elements. Using an EESYR system, cis-acting elements, such as, for example, promoters, introns, and UTRs, are preferably located between recombination sites. Expression optimization can also be achieved, including, for example, expression cassette orientation and codon optimization. By way of example, FIG. 11 shows cassettes flanked with recombination recognition sites that contain a promoter, a marker, various cis-elements (here, introns in panel A; UTRs in panel B), and a GOI were integrated at an EESYR (SEQ ID NO: 1 at the 5′ end, SEQ ID NO:2 at the 3′ end). Relative expression of the GOI is shown on the right.

FIG. 12 shows an example of how protein optimization can be achieved using the methods and compositions of the invention. FIG. 12 confirms that optional placement of a cDNA for a light chain antibody gene is 5′ to the cDNA for a heavy chain antibody gene.

Proteins of Interest

A nucleic acid sequence encoding a protein of interest can be conveniently integrated into a cell comprising an EESYR having a recombinase recognition site through, for example, a recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE) process. Any protein of interest suitable for expression in eukaryotic cells can be used. For example, the protein of interest can be an antibody or fragment thereof, a chimeric antibody or fragment thereof, an ScFv or fragment thereof, an Fc-tagged protein or fragment thereof, a growth factor or a fragment thereof, a cytokine or a fragment thereof, or an extracellular domain of a cell surface receptor or fragment thereof.

Nucleic Acid Constructs

Recombinant expression vectors can comprise synthetic or cDNA-derived DNA fragments encoding a protein, operably linked to a suitable transcriptional and/or translational regulatory element derived from mammalian, viral or insect genes. Such regulatory elements include transcriptional promoters, enhancers, sequences encoding suitable mRNA ribosomal binding sites, and sequences that control the termination of transcription and translation, as described in detail below. Mammalian expression vectors can also comprise nontranscribed elements such as an origin of replication, other 5′ or 3′ flanking nontranscribed sequences, and 5′ or 3′ nontranslated sequences such as splice donor and acceptor sites. A selectable marker gene to facilitate recognition of transfectants may also be incorporated.

Transcriptional and translational control sequences in expression vectors useful for transfecting vertebrate cells may be provided by viral sources. For example, commonly used promoters and enhancers are derived from viruses such as polyoma, adenovirus 2, simian virus 40 (SV40), and human cytomegalovirus (CMV). Viral genomic promoters, control and/or signal sequences may be utilized to drive expression, provided such control sequences are compatible with the host cell chosen. Non-viral cellular promoters can also be used (e.g., the β-globin and the EF-1α promoters), depending on the cell type in which the recombinant protein is to be expressed.

DNA sequences derived from the SV40 viral genome, for example, the SV40 origin, early and late promoter, enhancer, splice, and polyadenylation sites may be used to provide other genetic elements useful for expression of a heterologous DNA sequence. Early and late promoters are particularly useful because both are obtained easily from the SV40 virus as a fragment that also comprises the SV40 viral origin of replication (Fiers et al., Nature 273:113, 1978). Smaller or larger SV40 fragments may also be used. Typically, the approximately 250 bp sequence extending from the Hind III site toward the BgII site located in the SV40 origin of replication is included.

Bicistronic expression vectors used for the expression of multiple transcripts have been described previously (Kim S. K. and Wold B. J., Cell 42:129, 1985; Kaufman et al. 1991, supra) and can be used in combination with an EESYR sequence of the invention. Other types of expression vectors will also be useful, for example, those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,634,665 (Axel et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,656,134 (Ringold et al.).

Host Cells and Transfection

The eukaryotic host cells used in the methods of the invention are mammalian host cells, including, for example, CHO cells and mouse cells. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a nucleic acid sequence that encodes an EESYR sequence from CHO cell. An integration site, for example, a recombinase recognition site, can be placed within an EESYR, or 5′ or 3′ to the EESYR sequence. One example of a suitable integration site is a lox p site. Another example of a suitable integration site is two recombinase recognition sites, for example, a lox p site and a lox 5511 site. In one embodiment, the EESYR sequence is located on chromosome 6 of a CHO cell genome. In specific embodiments, the EESYR sequence is located within a sequence selected from the group consisting of nucleic acids comprising nucleotides 1-6473 and 4607-6473 of SEQ ID NO: 1; and 1-7045, 1-3115, 1-2245, 1-935, and 1-465 of SEQ ID NO:2.

The invention includes a mammalian host cell transfected with an expression vector of the invention. While any mammalian cell may be used, the host cell is preferably a CHO cell.

Transfected host cells include cells that have been transfected with expression vectors that comprise a sequence encoding a protein or polypeptide. Expressed proteins will preferably be secreted into the culture medium, depending on the nucleic acid sequence selected, but may be retained in the cell or deposited in the cell membrane. Various mammalian cell culture systems can be employed to express recombinant proteins. Examples of suitable mammalian host cell lines include the COS-7 lines of monkey kidney cells, described by Gluzman (1981) Cell 23:175, and other cell lines capable of expressing an appropriate vector including, for example, CV-1/EBNA (ATCC CRL 10478), L cells, C127, 3T3, CHO, HeLa and BHK cell lines. Other cell lines developed for specific selection or amplification schemes will also be useful with the methods and compositions provided herein. A preferred cell line is the CHO cell line designated K1. In order to achieve the goal of high volume production of recombinant proteins, the host cell line should be pre-adapted to bioreactor medium in the appropriate case.

Several transfection protocols are known in the art, and are reviewed in Kaufman (1988) Meth. Enzymology 185:537. The transfection protocol chosen will depend on the host cell type and the nature of the GOI, and can be chosen based upon routine experimentation. The basic requirements of any such protocol are first to introduce DNA encoding the protein of interest into a suitable host cell, and then to identify and isolate host cells which have incorporated the heterologous DNA in a relatively stable, expressible manner.

One commonly used method of introducing heterologous DNA into a cell is calcium phosphate precipitation, for example, as described by Wigler et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:3567, 1980). DNA introduced into a host cell by this method frequently undergoes rearrangement, making this procedure useful for cotransfection of independent genes.

Polyethylene-induced fusion of bacterial protoplasts with mammalian cells (Schaffner et al., (1980) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:2163) is another useful method of introducing heterologous DNA. Protoplast fusion protocols frequently yield multiple copies of the plasmid DNA integrated into the mammalian host cell genome, and this technique requires the selection and amplification marker to be on the same plasmid as the GOI.

Electroporation can also be used to introduce DNA directly into the cytoplasm of a host cell, for example, as described by Potter et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81:7161, 1988) or Shigekawa et al. (BioTechniques 6:742, 1988). Unlike protoplast fusion, electroporation does not require the selection marker and the GOI to be on the same plasmid.

More recently, several reagents useful for introducing heterologous DNA into a mammalian cell have been described. These include Lipofectin™ Reagent and Lipofectamine™ Reagent (Gibco BRL, Gaithersburg, Md.). Both of these reagents are commercially available reagents used to form lipid-nucleic acid complexes (or liposomes) which, when applied to cultured cells, facilitate uptake of the nucleic acid into the cells.

A method for amplifying the GOI is also desirable for expression of the recombinant protein, and typically involves the use of a selection marker (reviewed in Kaufman supra). Resistance to cytotoxic drugs is the characteristic most frequently used as a selection marker, and can be the result of either a dominant trait (e.g., can be used independent of host cell type) or a recessive trait (e.g., useful in particular host cell types that are deficient in whatever activity is being selected for). Several amplifiable markers are suitable for use in the expression vectors of the invention (e.g., as described in Maniatis, Molecular Biology: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, NY, 1989; pgs 16.9-16.14).

Useful selectable markers for gene amplification in drug-resistant mammalian cells are shown in Table 1 of Kaufman, R. J., supra, and include DHFR-MTX resistance, P-glycoprotein and multiple drug resistance (MDR)-various lipophilic cytotoxic agents (e.g., adriamycin, colchicine, vincristine), and adenosine deaminase (ADA)-Xyl-A or adenosine and 2′-deoxycoformycin.

Other dominant selectable markers include microbially derived antibiotic resistance genes, for example neomycin, kanamycin or hygromycin resistance. However, these selection markers have not been shown to be amplifiable (Kaufman, R. J., supra). Several suitable selection systems exist for mammalian hosts (Maniatis supra, pgs 16.9-16.15). Co-transfection protocols employing two dominant selectable markers have also been described (Okayama and Berg, Mol. Cell Biol 5:1136, 1985).

Useful regulatory elements, described previously or known in the art, can also be included in the nucleic acid constructs used to transfect mammalian cells. The transfection protocol chosen and the elements selected for use therein will depend on the type of host cell used. Those of skill in the art are aware of numerous different protocols and host cells, and can select an appropriate system for expression of a desired protein, based on the requirements of the cell culture system used.

Other features of the invention will become apparent in the course of the following descriptions of exemplary embodiments which are given for illustration of the invention and are not intended to be limiting thereof.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are put forth so as to provide those of ordinary skill in the art how to make and use the methods and compositions described herein, and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors regard as their invention. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers used (e.g., amount, temperature, etc.) but some experimental error and deviation should be accounted for. Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by weight, molecular weight is average molecular weight, temperature is in degrees Centigrade, and pressure is at or near atmospheric.

Example 1 Generation of RGC9 and RGC16 Cell Lines

CHO K1 cells (1×10⁷) were infected with pantropic retrovirus produced with plasmid pTE252 (FIG. 1), having a lox p site in it, at an MOI of less than 1 to generate a stable pool of cells with mostly one retroviral insertion per cell. Cells in the stable pool that expressed a marker protein at a high level were selected and expanded. Selection rounds were conducted to identify cell populations capable of enhanced expression. Thirty-six clones were isolated and expanded into 36 cell lines. Clones exhibiting the highest recombination efficiency were identified and cloned, wherein the clones each contained at least one recombinase recognition site in an enhanced expression locus. Eight cell populations with the best recombination efficiency were selected, and reassessed for enhanced protein expression. Two cell populations were selected and designated RGC9 and RGC16. Southern blot analysis of the cell populations from the original 36 cell lines that corresponded to these two cell lines showed that a single copy of a reporter construct was integrated into the CHO cell genome at the same locus in the case of both cell populations, and the location of integration was determined to be at the triplet “act” at nucleotide position 6,471 to 6,473 of SEQ ID NO:5. At least one of these two cell lines were employed in experiments described below.

Example 2 Expression of FcFP1 Protein in Serum-Free Production Medium

RGC38 cells were derived from RGC9 cells and were adapted to grow in suspension in a serum-free production medium. RGC38 cells were used as host cells for the expression of FcFP1 protein (Fc fusion protein-1). RGC38 cells were transfected in a ten-centimeter plate with a FcFP1 expression vector, pTE851 and a Cre plasmid, pRG858. The FcFP1 plasmid has, in 5′ to 3′ direction, a LoxP site, a SV40 late promoter, a hygromycin resistant gene, an IRES, an eGFP, a CMV MIE promoter, a gene encoding a FcFP1 protein, and a Lox511 site. Cells were cultured in F12 medium with 400 μg/ml hygromycin for two weeks after transfection. Cells expressing eGFP but not DsRed were isolated using flow cytometry and designated as RS421-1. Isolated cells were essentially isogenic, though derived from different founder cells. RS421-1 cells were expanded in suspension cultures in serum-free production medium. FcP1 protein in conditioned medium of 3-day old cultures was examined in SDS-PAGE with Coomassie blue staining. FcF1 protein in the conditioned medium was abundant and could be seen without purification.

Example 3 Regulated Expression of FcFP1 Protein in Serum-Free Production Medium

RGC49 cells were derived from RGC16, were adapted to grow in serum-free production medium, and contained a stably integrated tetR-YFP expression plasmid, pcDNA6/TR. The tetR protein allows regulation of transcription from promoters that comprise a tet operator sequence by tetracycline or doxycycline. RGC49 cells were co-transfected with pTE851 and pRG858. The transfected cells were selected with 400 μg/ml hygromycin for two weeks. Cells expressing eGFP but not YFP were isolated using flow cytometry and designated as RS569-1. RS569-1 cells were expanded in suspension cultures in serum-free production medium in the presence or absence of doxycycline. FcP1 protein in conditioned medium of 3-day old cultures was examined by SDS-PAGE and Coomassie blue staining. The RS569-1 cells expressed FcFP1 protein similarly to RS421-1 upon in the presence of 1 μg/ml doxycycline in the culture medium. Very little FcFP1 protein was detected from the RS569-1 cells in the absence of doxycycline.

Example 4 Dual Lox Cell Line Construction

RGC23 cells were derived from RGC16, were adapted to grow in Sigma CHO SSM serum-free medium (Saint Louis, Mo.), and carried DsRed. RGC23 cells were transfected with a Cre plasmid, pRG858 and a eGFP and FcFP2 protein expression vector, pTE357. The FcFP2 vector has, in 5′ to 3′ direction, a LoxP site, a SV40 late promoter, a hygromycin resistant gene, a CMV MIE promoter, a gene encoding FcFP2 protein, an IRES, an eGFP, and a Lox511 site. Cells expressing both DsRed and eGFP were collected and a single cell was isolated. The isolated cell was expanded in culture, and the resulting cell line was designated RS398-2-6. RS398-2-6 was then transfected with pRG858 (Cre plasmid) and pRG1231, a eCFP expression plasmid. pRG1231 has, in 5′ to 3′ direction, a LoxP site, a CMV MIE promoter, a puromycin resistant gene, an IRES, an eCFP, and a Lox511 site. Cells expressing DsRed and eCFP but not eGFP were isolated by flow cytometry as a pool and designated as RS630.

Example 5 Antibody Heavy Chain and Light Chain Expression Using a Dual Lox Cell Line

RS630 cells were transfected with pTE828, a 15G1 antibody heavy chain and eGFP expression vector, pTE829, a 15G1 antibody light chain and eYFP expression vector, and pRG858. pTE828 has, in 5′ to 3′ direction, a LoxP site, a SV40 late promoter, a hygromycin resistant gene, an IRES, an eGFP, a CMV MIE promoter, the heavy chain gene of 15G1 antibody, and a Lox511 site. pTE829 has, in 5′ to 3′ direction, a LoxP site, a SV40 late promoter, a neomycin resistant gene, an IRES, an eYFP, a CMV MIE promoter, the light chain gene of 15G1 antibody, and a Lox511 site. The transfected cultures were selected with hygromycin and G418 at 400 μg/ml each for two weeks. Cells expressed both YFP and eGFP but neither dsRed nor eCFP were isolated by flow cytometry. The isolated cells were expanded in suspension culture in serum-free production medium and were designated as RS631 cells. Aliquots of conditioned medium from 3-day old culture were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. The antibody products from RS631 cells were readily detected by Coomassie blue staining.

Example 6 Use of a Third Lox Site (Lox2272) at EESYR to Create Dual Expression Cassette

Cells from any cell line carrying a DsRED gene flanked by a LoxP site and a Lox511 site at EESYR locus are transfected with pRG858 and a vector comprising, in 5′ to 3′ direction, a LoxP site, a first promoter, a YFP, a Lox2272 site, a second promoter, an eGFP, and a Lox511. Cells expressing eGFP and YFP, but not DsRed are isolated. Isolated cells are then transfected with pRG858, pRG1167 (a vector that has, in 5′ to 3′ direction, a LoxP site, a SV40 late promoter, a hygromycin resistant gene, a CMV MIE promoter, a DsRed and a Lox2272 site) or pRG1234 (a vector that has, in 5′ to 3′ direction, a Lox2272 site, a SV40 late promoter, a hygromycin resistant gene, a CMV MIE promoter, a DsRed and a Lox511 site). Cells capable of expressing either DsRED and eGFP but not YFP, or DsRED and YFP but not eGFP, are isolated.

Example 7 Antibody Expression from RGC38 Host Cells

RGC38 cells were transfected with pTE963 and pRG858. pTE963 has, in 5′ to 3′ direction, a LoxP site, a SV40 late promoter, a hygromycin resistant gene, an IRES, an eGFP, a CMV MIE promoter, the light chain gene of 15G1 antibody, a CMV MIE promoter, the heavy chain gene of 15G1 antibody, and a Lox511 site. The transfected cultures were selected with hygromycin at 400 μg/ml each for two weeks. Cells that expressed eGFP but not dsRed were isolated by flow cytometry. The isolated cells were expanded in suspension in serum-free production medium and were named as RS533 cells. For the production of 15G1 antibodies, RS533 cells were cultured in a bioreactor for 10 days. Aliquots of spent medium from day six to day ten were collected and their protein composition was analyzed by SDS-PAGE. The heavy chain and light chain peptide of the 15G1 antibody in the reactor spent medium were readily detected by Coomassie blue staining.

Example 8 Rescuing and Subcloning EESYR Sequences

A CHO cell line (designated RGC21) expressing high levels of a reporter gene, DsRed, was selected for isolation of EESYR sequences, since Southern blot analysis indicated that the high expression of DsRed expression observed for this cell line is driven by a single integration of an expression cassette encoding DsRed. Genomic sequences 5′ to the expression cassette were rescued by transfecting RGC21 cells with linearized pTE494 plasmids, a vector that has, in 5′ to 3′ direction, a LoxP site, an ampicillin resistance gene, a bacterial origin or replication, a CMV MIE promoter, a neomycin phosphotransferase gene, an IRES, an eGFP and a Lox511 site. Cells expressing eGFP but not DsRed were isolated by flow cytometry as a pool. Genomic DNA was isolated, digested with XbaI restriction endonuclease, and self ligated to create pRG1106. Genomic sequences 3′ to the expression cassette were rescued by transfecting RGC21 cells with circular pTE495 plasmids, a vector that has, in 5′ to 3′ direction, a LoxP site, a CMV MIE promoter, a neomycin phosphotransferase gene, an IRES, an eGFP, a bacterial origin or replication, an ampicillin resistance gene, and a Lox511 site. Cells expressing eGFP but not DsRed were isolated by flow cytometry as a pool. Genomic DNA was isolated, digested with MfeI restriction endonuclease, and self ligated to create pRG1099.

Example 9 Plasmid Construction for EESYR Analysis

EESYR sequences were excised from either pRG1106 or pRG1099 as AgeI fragments and inserted into the AgeI and NgoMIV sites of pTE575, a plasmid expressing FCFP2, to yield plasmid pTE809. The pTE575 plasmid has, in 5′ to 3′ direction, a SV40 late promoter, a hygromycin resistant gene, a CMV MIE promoter, and a gene encoding FCFP2 protein. In stably transfected CHO cells, pTE809 and pTE575 yielded 97.22% and 38.57% of cells expressing detectable levels of FCFP2 protein, respectively. The mean fluorescence of FcFP2 detected by an FITC conjugated antibody was 482.54 and 279.75 for cultures transfected with pTE809 and pTE575, respectively. Thus, the inclusion of EESYR in expression vectors increased the expression of FCFP2 protein in stable transfection.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or essence thereof. 

We claim:
 1. An isolated cell comprising an expression-enhancing sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-4, a gene of interest (GOI) operably linked to the expression-enhancing sequence, and at least one recombinase recognition site immediately adjacent to the GOI.
 2. The isolated cell of claim 1, wherein the GOI encodes a protein selected from an immunoglobulin or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, and a receptor or ligand-binding fragment thereof.
 3. The isolated cell of claim 2, wherein the immunoglobulin is selected from an antibody light chain or antigen-binding fragment thereof, an antibody heavy chain or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or an Fc fusion protein.
 4. The isolated cell of claim 1, wherein the at least one recombinase recognition site is selected from the group consisting of a LoxP site, a Lox511 site, a Lox2272, and a Frt site.
 5. The isolated cell of claim 1, wherein the GOI is immediately adjacent and 5′ of the recombinase recognition site, and further comprising a second recombinase recognition site immediately adjacent and 3′ of the GOI.
 6. The isolated cell of claim 5, further comprising a second GOI immediately adjacent and 3′ of the second recombinase recognition site.
 7. The isolated cell of claim 6, further comprising a third recombinase recognition site immediately adjacent and 3′ of the second GOI.
 8. The isolated cell of claim 7, further comprising at least one marker gene between the second recombinase recognition site and the second GOI.
 9. The isolated cell of claim 8, wherein the at least one marker gene is selected from the group consisting of a drug resistance gene and an expression reporter gene.
 10. The isolated cell of claim 9, further comprising a promoter operably linked to the first GOI and a promoter operably linked to the second GOI.
 11. The isolated cell of claim 10, wherein the second and the third recombinase recognition sites are in an orientation opposite to the first recombinase recognition site.
 12. The isolated cell of claim 11, wherein the first, second, and third recombinase recognition sites are different.
 13. The isolated cell of claim 12, wherein the promoters are eukaryotic promoters, and the eukaryotic promoters are operably linked to a prokaryotic operator.
 14. An isolated cell comprising an expression-enhancing sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-4, and at least one exogenous gene of interest (GOI) operably linked to the expression-enhancing sequence.
 15. The isolated cell of claim 14, wherein the expression-enhancing sequence is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3, 4, and a combination thereof; and wherein the cell is a CHO cell, the at least one exogenous GOI is a human gene, and the human gene is operably linked to an exogenous promoter.
 16. The isolated cell of claim 15, further comprising a second GOI 3′ of the first GOI, and the second GOI is operably linked to an exogenous promoter.
 17. The isolated cell of claim 16, wherein the first GOI encodes a light chain of an antibody and the second GOI encodes a heavy chain of an antibody.
 18. The isolated cell of claim 17, further comprising a first recombinase site 5′ of the gene encoding a light chain of an antibody, and a second recombinase site immediately adjacent and 3′ of the gene encoding a heavy chain of an antibody.
 19. The isolated cell of claim 18, wherein the first and second recombinase recognition sites are different, and the first and second recombinase recognition sites are selected from the group consisting of a LoxP site, a Lox511 site, a Lox2272, and a Frt site.
 20. A method for making a protein of interest, comprising: (a) introducing into a host cell a nucleic acid construct comprising an expression-enhancing sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-4 and a GOI that encodes for a protein of interest, wherein the GOI is operably linked to the selected expression-enhancing sequence; (b) culturing the host cell of (a) under conditions that allow expression of the GOI; and, (c) recovering the protein of interest.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the GOI is operably linked to a promoter.
 22. The method of claim 20, wherein the cell is a CHO cell, the expression enhancing sequence is SEQ ID NO:1, and the GOI is an immunoglobulin or an antigen-binding fragment thereof.
 23. The method of claim 20, wherein the cell is a CHO cell, the expression enhancing sequence is SEQ ID NO:1, and the GOI is a receptor or a ligand-binding fragment thereof. 